Imagine this: no homework, college friends, a college town to yourself, an empty campus, mountains to be climbed, waterfalls to be explored, and a bucket list of things you never got to do when classes are in session because you're too busy. Nope, not a dream, but a summer spent at St. Lawrence by me and 50 strangers (most of us) who all became friends by the end.

When I first decided to spend the summer at SLU I was excited to spend my summers with friends, be away from home for the summer, and hopefully make a few new friends. I never expect to experience so many new things, make so many more friends, and be able to experience the campus in a totally different way.

With the hustle and bustle of school (and the harsh winter) it gets hard to enjoy campus at times. The work piles up and the temperature drops and we often find ourselves binge watching Netflix in our beds. Over the summer the weather is beautiful and with no homework, it gives you an excuse to try something you never have: hiking whiteface, day trips to Ottawa, or floating down the river.

Since there are only 50 students on campus it's the perfect opportunity to make new friends. Everyone lives in the townhouses and slowly throughout the summer starts to become much closer: planning trips together, hanging out after work and even playing soccer together.

During the summer not much on campus is open, including the dining halls which forces you to learn how to cook. I used to hate cooking, easy mac on the weekends has about all I could handle. After having no other option, I learned that it's really not that hard and it's actually fun (especially when there is a great farmer's market in town).

Moral of the story: spend a summer at SLU if you can. There is a lot to be said about finding things to do in the middle of nowhere and stepping out of your comfort zone. Not only will the summer be the best yet but you will meet life changing people.